Cable Forum - View Single Post - Wireless network needing more power

Anastasis · 15-01-2011, 13:18

Hi

I am trying to help a friend out with their wireless network in a large 3 storey house with quite thick walls.

About central and downstairs they have BT hub with phone connection that also operates as a WiFi router. On the top floor they have a Linksys wifi router which is fed by a network cable from the downstairs BT hub.

They get good wifi access on the top (2nd) floor and part of the first floor from the top floor router, but one room lacks good access

Downstairs the wifi works ok but seems to drop off quite badly to be unusable in the extremities of the ground floor, I guess because of the thick walls.

Cabling everywhere would obviously solve the problems but he wants a wifi network throughout.

I wondered if he should get a couple of Wireless N routers to replace what he has, but I am not sure if Wireless N devices provide more power as well as more speed. Having said that whilst I think a non-BT hub would still work I am conscious that if ever he needs to contact BT support then they would be expecting to have one of their BT hubs in place.

Please could you advise on this and if buying a couple of Wireless N routers is the most cost effective solution and if so recommend any. If going Wireless N is not the solution, then please advise what would be best to do.

I hope all of the above makes sense. Thanks in advance.

15-01-2011, 13:18	#1
Anastasis Inactive Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 102	Wireless network needing more power - is Wireless N the solution? Hi I am trying to help a friend out with their wireless network in a large 3 storey house with quite thick walls. About central and downstairs they have BT hub with phone connection that also operates as a WiFi router. On the top floor they have a Linksys wifi router which is fed by a network cable from the downstairs BT hub. They get good wifi access on the top (2nd) floor and part of the first floor from the top floor router, but one room lacks good access Downstairs the wifi works ok but seems to drop off quite badly to be unusable in the extremities of the ground floor, I guess because of the thick walls. Cabling everywhere would obviously solve the problems but he wants a wifi network throughout. I wondered if he should get a couple of Wireless N routers to replace what he has, but I am not sure if Wireless N devices provide more power as well as more speed. Having said that whilst I think a non-BT hub would still work I am conscious that if ever he needs to contact BT support then they would be expecting to have one of their BT hubs in place. Please could you advise on this and if buying a couple of Wireless N routers is the most cost effective solution and if so recommend any. If going Wireless N is not the solution, then please advise what would be best to do. I hope all of the above makes sense. Thanks in advance.